New England’s longest waterway, the Connecticut River, provides many opportunities for canoe and kayak exploration.

The Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail is a series of primitive campsites and access points from the river’s headwaters to the Massachusetts border. While most of the river shore is privately-owned, a number of generous landowners have agreed to host the public at primitive campsites on their land. No single entity manages the trail. Instead, a group of partner organizations collaborates with developing and stewarding this trail which traverses the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

The future of the Paddlers’ Trail depends on good river etiquette and campsite stewardship. Before heading out on the water, please review the trail’s paddler etiquette guidelines posted on the website and at many of the campsites. This website is designed to serve as a gateway for those seeking to explore the river. Have a great journey!